Today, September 27, is the 68th anniversary of the of the fight between the SS Stephen Hopkins and the German Auxiliary Cruiser Stier off the coast of South Africa The Hopkins was a Liberty ship with one 4" gun plus some 20mm's. Stier had six 5.9" guns. Both the Hopkins and the Stier were sunk in the battle. The German supply ship Tannenfels was damaged in the fight. Only 15 Naval Armed Guard members and Merchant Mariners from the Hopkins survived.
Some articles of interest: SS Stephen Hopkins Duel to the Death Gallant Liberty Ship SS Stephen Hopkins Hilfskreuzer (Auxiliary Cruiser / Raider) - Stier
The stories of auxuliary ships shooting at each other has always interested me. Have you all read about the RMS Carmania's battle with the SMS Cap Trafalgar in WWI? Two luxury liners with guns!
The picture by my forum name shows my father standing in front of the same model 4" gun [4"/50 caliber, I think] that the Hopkins carried. The picture was taken on the Liberty troopship SS Reverdy Johnson
Yep. I believe Colin Simpson wrote a book about the battle. It was titled "The Ship that Hunted Itself". Which is fitting since the day she was sunk, the Cap Trafalgar was disguised as the Carmania and vice-versa. Getting back to the Hopkins and Stier, there is one book out there wholly dedicated to the engagement: http://www.amazon.com/Action-South-Atlantic-Gerald-Reminick/dp/1889901385
On September 27, 2011, the Liberty ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien will re-enact this battle 69 years after it happened. Fifty high school juniors from San Francisco will learn of the brave men who fought and defended their country. The ship is open to the public every day. Welcome to the S.S. JEREMIAH O'BRIEN
Are you out in the bay area, slcarter? I have fond memories of visiting Jeremiah O'Brien as a kid. (Would you believe my mother came along with us on the engine room tour wearing high heels?) I'd love to see photographs or video of the reenactment, if you happen to take any.
I came across some intelligence documents on my last trip to NARA II in October... one covers the incident and shows what the Allies knew of Stier at the time: Researcher@Large - 1943 Intelligence Report - Raider 'J' Stier